Method and apparatus for multi-positioning combustion piping for a boiler

ABSTRACT

A boiler includes an outlet and with multi-positioning piping. The outlet is located on an angle on the boiler formed by angling the edge formed by the top side and back side of the boiler. One end of the piping is cut on an angle such that the piping may be connected to the boiler via the outlet to extend either vertically or horizontally from the boiler.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to exhaust piping for combustion devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to exhaust piping apparatus, for boilers or furnaces, that permits a combustion device with a single outlet to communicate with a location configured for either top or rear ducting combustion devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Combustion devices such as gas or oil fired furnaces, boilers, clothes dryers, water heaters, and other household appliances are common in residential homes. For example, boilers are used traditionally to heat water for the home. The hot water can be used in a heating circuit or to provide domestic hot water for uses throughout the house, such as in a clothes washing machine, a dishwasher, sinks, showers, utility tubs, and elsewhere. Boilers may be oil burning or gas burning.

[0003] Combustion devices create waste products as a result of burning either oil or gas to generate heat. Therefore, combustion devices require ducting to vent combustion gases to the outside of the building in which they are installed. The ducting may vent the waste products via a chimney, ductwork, or other suitable outlet means.

[0004] Some installation locations for combustion devices are configured for the combustion device to vent exhaust gases out the back or out the top of the combustion device. In order to make a single combustion device capable of being installed in either type of location, some combustion devices are configured to vent exhaust gas out of both the top and back of the device by having multiple flue openings.

[0005] While a multiple flue opening combustion device permits one combustion device to be made for all locations whether the ducting is configured for a top or rear vented device, these types of devices require additional parts and labor. For example, the installer has to determine whether to install the exhaust piping on the top or back of the device. Installing the piping through the back requires a straight length of piping to connect the device to the ducting to the outside. On the other hand, in a case where the combustion device vents through the top of the device, a different shaped piping may be required. Top vented devices may use piping with an elbow to connect from the top of the device to the chimney or ductwork.

[0006] A disadvantage of the previously known top and rear venting design is that each combustion device has two flue openings—one on the back and one on the top of the device. The unused opening may need to be sealed during installation. Alternatively, if both openings are factory sealed, one opening must be opened during installation. This requires additional parts, such as covers and seals, and labor for installing the extra seals and covers as well.

[0007] When the opening is sealed during installation, the opening may be traditionally sealed with a flue cap that has a sealing rope inside the groove in the cap. The flue cap is placed in the flue hole that is not used to connect the device to the outlet. A flue cap strap may then be placed over the flue cap. A jacket cap with insulation may then be placed over the flue cap strap. When the openings are sealed during manufacture, the installer must remove the seal and cap from one of the openings to install the device and connect it with the piping to the outlet.

[0008] The above problems also occur with the piping used to supply the combustion device with water, air, gas, or oil.

[0009] Accordingly, a combustion device that has only one opening and is adaptable to connect to piping configured to communicate with top or back venting is desired.

[0010] In addition, a combustion device that can be connected to a variety of venting configurations is desired.

[0011] In addition, exhaust piping that is adaptable to permit a combustion device to exhaust gases from a single flue opening regardless of the configuration of the location ducting is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore a feature and advantage of the present invention to provide a combustion device that provides only one piping connection location.

[0013] It is another feature and advantage of the present invention to provide piping that can be adapted to connect to a variety of location ducting.

[0014] The above and other features and advantages are achieved through the use of a novel combustion device with multi-positioning piping as herein disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a combustion device is provided. The combustion device includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and/or an exhaust outlet, and piping configured to selectively communicate with said outlet in such a way that said piping can extend from said outlet in either one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, a combustion device is provided. The combustion device includes an exhaust outlet as a means for exhausting gases, and piping, as a means for communicating with said exhausting means, configured to selectively communicate with said outlet in such a way that said piping can extend from said outlet in either one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the invention, a vent pipe system for a combustion device is provided. The system includes a first pipe having one end slanted at a diagonal, and a second pipe having one end slanted at a diagonal and configured to communicate with said first pipe such that the slanted ends of said first and second pipes can attach to each other to comprise a straight pipe or a bent pipe, wherein said first pipe is configured to attach to a combustion device and said second pipe is configured to attach to ducting.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of adapting a combustion device to selectively vent combustion gases behind or above the combustion device having a single outlet is provided. The method includes configuring the outlet at an angle with respect to a vertical and horizontal direction, providing a pipe with a diagonally slanted end, and configuring the slanted end to attach to the outlet, wherein the slanted end and the outlet configured at an angle may selectively attach to allow the pipe to extend substantially horizontally and substantially vertically from the combustion device.

[0018] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0019] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0020] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention where the piping extends vertically from the combustion device.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention where the piping extends horizontally from the combustion device.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a prior art boiler.

[0025]FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of two piece piping with a flat end to communicate with a combustion device.

[0026]FIG. 6 is an exploded side view of the two piece piping of FIG. 4 arranged so that it may communicate with a top venting boiler.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a side view of flexible piping according to one embodiment of the invention configured in a straight position and configured to communicate with a combustion device according to the invention.

[0028]FIG. 8 is a side view of flexible piping according to one embodiment of the invention configured in a straight position.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a side view of the flexible piping of FIG. 7 wherein the flexible piping is in a bent position.

[0030]FIG. 10 is a side view of the flexible piping of FIG. 6 where the flexible piping is in a bent position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] One embodiment of the present invention provides a combustion device with a single flue outlet, the combustion device capable of communication with a variety of location ducting configurations. For example, the combustion device may be adaptable to a location where the ducting to the outside is configured to communicate with a combustion device that has the exhaust gases vented out the rear or the combustion device may be adaptable to a location where the ducting to the outside is configured to communicate with a combustion device that has the exhaust gases vented out the top of the combustion device.

[0032]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a combustion device such as a boiler 10 is provided with an outlet 12, shown in FIG. 3, and piping 14. In FIG. 1 the piping 14 is attached to the boiler 10 in a manner as to cause the exhaust gases to be vented above the boiler 10. In some respects this configuration may be analogous to venting the exhaust gases out of the top of the boiler 10.

[0033] The piping 14 may be attached to the boiler 10 in a location arranged diagonally from the top 16 and back 18 portions of the boiler 10. The piping 14 has an angled end 20. The angled end 20 has a long 22 and short 24 portion. In order to permit the piping 14 to extend substantially vertically from the boiler 10, the long portion 22 is attached near the back 18 of the boiler 10 and the short portion 24 is attached near the top portion 16 of the boiler 10.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the piping 14 can be attached to the outlet 12 of the boiler 10 with nuts and bolts (not shown). It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the piping 14 may also be attached to the boiler 10 with screws, a seal, clamps, or any other means known in the art. The piping 14 may also be attached to ducting to the outside (not shown) which may be provided at the location. The piping 14 may attach to the ducting by clamps, screws, nuts and bolts, or any other means known in the art.

[0035] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 2, the piping 14 is attached to the outlet 12 such that the piping 14 extends substantially horizontally from the outlet 12. To achieve this, the short portion 24 of the piping is attached to the outlet 12 closer to the back side 18 of the boiler 10, and the long portion 22 of the piping 14 is attached to the outlet 12 closer to the top 16 of the boiler 10.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the angle of the outlet 12 between the top 16 and back 18 of the boiler 10 is approximately 45°. The angle of the end of the piping 14 in the preferred embodiment is also approximately 45°.

[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 illustrates piping 40 that can communicate with the outlet 12, located on a top 16 or back 18 portion of a boiler 10, for example, a boiler as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 5, two sections of piping 42 and 44 are provided. The section of piping 21 that communicates with the outlet 12 has a flat end 46. Piping 42 and 44 attached to each other via angled ends 48 and 50. When it is desired that piping 42 and 44 comprise a straight section, long end 52 attaches to short end 54 and short end 56 attaches to long end 58.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, when it is desired that piping 42 and 44 comprise an angled section, short end 56 attaches to short end 54 and long end 52 attaches to 58.

[0039] It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that piping 42 and 44 will permit combustion devices with a flue vent opening on a top, side, or rear portions to be adaptable to differing types and configurations of ducting at a particular site. Thus, piping 42 and 44 may not require a combustion device with an angled outlet 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. It can further be appreciated that an installer skilled in the art can determine what kind of shape (i.e., straight or angled) the installer will desire for a particular location and attach sections 42 and 44 accordingly.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, angled ends 48 and 50 are angled 45° compared to a flat end (i.e., 46). Preferably, sections 42 and 44 will form straight sections, an approximately 90° section, and sections with angles in between 90° elbow and a straight section if they are attached in a non-planar manner. Other embodiments of the invention may use ends 48 and 50 with different angles and comprise other than 90° elbow sections. Angle selection may be done according to specific requirements of a particular location. In fact, installers may modify the angles to a particular location.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention a flexible vent pipe 70 may be provided. A flexible vent pipe 70 will also permit a combustion device with a single flue outlet to be adaptable to a variety of ducting types and configurations. The flexible pipe 70 will permit the pipe 70 to be flexed to fit between the flue vent of the combustion device and the ducting in the device installation location.

[0042] In order to achieve flexing, the flexible piping 70 may be comprised of a resilient material, a corrugated material, or multiple sections moveably connected. Other embodiments may incorporate a hoop and foil type construction to achieve flexibility. Other types of materials, connections, or methods used in the art may be used.

[0043] Such flexible piping 70, shown in FIGS. 7-10, may have an angled end 72 to communicate with a flue outlet on a combustion device. Piping 70, shown in FIG. 10, also has an angled end 72 to communicate with a flue outlet on a combustion device. Piping 70, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, has a flat end 74 to communicate with a flue outlet on a combustion device.

[0044] The flexible piping 70 may be flexed to comprise approximately a 90° elbow as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In some embodiments, the flexible piping 70 may be flexed to greater than 90°. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that an installer will flex the flexible piping 70 to a shape required by a particular installation location to attach a flue vent to ducting the outside.

[0045] While the embodiments described above are directed to exhaust piping and a combustion device, some embodiments of the present invention can include a similarly configured inlet and inlet piping for the combustion device. The inlet and inlet piping can supply water, air, gas, or oil to the combustion device. An angled inlet and piping, similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, are within the scope of the invention. Also contemplated by the present invention is inlet piping similar to that shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirits and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A combustion device, comprising: at least one of an inlet and an exhaust outlet; and piping configured to selectively communicate with at least one of said inlet and said outlet in such a way that said piping can extend from at least one of said inlet and said outlet in either one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.
 2. The combustion device of claim 1, wherein at least one of said inlet and said outlet is at an angle of approximately 45° from a back side of the combustion device.
 3. The combustion device of claim 2, wherein said piping communicates with at least one of said inlet and said outlet with a diagonally slanted end.
 4. The combustion device of claim 3, wherein the slanted end is at about a 45° angle.
 5. The combustion device of claim 3, wherein said piping has a long portion and a short portion and when said piping is attached to the combustion device in the vertical direction, the long portion is positioned closer to a rear than a front of the combustion device, and when said piping is attached to the combustion device in the horizontal direction, the long portion is positioned closer to a top than a bottom of the combustion device.
 6. The combustion device of claim 1, wherein said piping is flexible.
 7. The combustion device of claim 1, wherein said combustion device is one of a boiler, a furnace, and a water heater.
 8. The combustion device of claim 1, wherein the first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal.
 9. A combustion device, comprising: means for exhausting; and means for selectively communicating with said exhausting means in such a way that said communicating means can extend from said exhausting means in either one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.
 10. The combustion device of claim 9, wherein said exhausting means is at an angle of approximately 45° from a back side of the combustion device.
 11. The combustion device of claim 10, wherein said communicating means communicates with said exhausting means with a diagonally slanted end.
 12. The combustion device of claim 11, wherein the slanted end is at about a 45° angle.
 13. The combustion device of claim 11, wherein said communicating means has a long portion and a short portion and when said communicating means is attached to the combustion device in the vertical direction, the long portion is positioned closer to a rear than a front of the combustion device, and when said communicating means is attached to the combustion device in the horizontal direction, the long portion is positioned closer to a top than a bottom of the combustion device.
 14. The combustion device of claim 9, further comprising means for inletting a fluid to the combustion device; and means for selectively communicating with said inletting means in such a way that said communicating means can extend from said inletting means in either one of a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction.
 15. The combustion device of claim 9, wherein said combustion device is one of a boiler, furnace, and a water heater.
 16. The combustion device of claim 9, wherein the first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal.
 17. A vent pipe system for a combustion device comprising: first pipe having one end slanted at a diagonal; and a second pipe having one end slanted at a diagonal and configured to communicate with said first pipe such that the slanted ends of said first and second pipes can attach to each other to comprise either one of a straight pipe and a bent pipe; wherein said first pipe is configured to attach to a combustion device and said second pipe is configured to attach to ducting.
 18. A method of adapting a combustion device to selectively vent combustion gases behind or above the combustion device having a single outlet comprising the steps of: configuring the outlet at an angle with respect to a vertical and horizontal direction; providing a pipe with a diagonally slanted end; and configuring the slanted end to attach to the outlet; wherein the slanted end and the outlet configured at an angle may selectively attach to allow the pipe to extend substantially horizontally and substantially vertically from the combustion device.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the angle the outlet is configured is about 45°.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the diagonally slanted end is slanted at about a 45° angle.
 21. The method of claim 18, further comprising the steps of configuring an inlet at an angle with respect to a vertical and horizontal direction; providing an inlet pipe with a diagonally slanted end; and configuring the slanted end to attach to the inlet; wherein the slanted end and the inlet configured at an angle may selectively attach to allow the pipe to extend substantially horizontally and substantially vertically from the combustion device. 